The New Book Review

This blog, #TheNewBookReview, is "new" because it eschews #bookbigotry. It lets readers, reviewers, authors, and publishers expand the exposure of their favorite reviews, FREE. Info for submissions is in the "Send Me Your Fav Book Review" circle icon in the right column below. Find resources to help your career using the mini search engine below. #TheNewBookReview is a multi-award-winning blog including a MastersInEnglish.org recommendation.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

World of Ink Book Tours Monster Book for Kids

Title of Book: When the Monsters are Quiet
Author: Alicia Lloyd
Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.
ISBN Number: 13: 978-1-61244-219-8
Publication Date: January 2014
Genre of Book: Children’s Picture Book
Page count: 25
Price: $11.95
Follow Alicia Lloyd on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/whenthemonstersarequiet

 

Places available for sale: Halo, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

It is also located in 40,000 databases in over 100 countries around the world.


 

Review provided by: World of Ink Network

 

About the Book:

1st grade reading level children's book. Phonemic awareness and reading comprehension strategies are in the back of the book so parents can get their kiddos star readers!

This friendly book is a fun way children can start to become proficient readers by reading about one of their biggest worries- bedtime! This book is a reminder to never be afraid of your monsters and has helpful hints for parents to help their children by exploring with early reading strategies at home. 

 

EXCERPT:

“So the next time you think monsters are under your bed,

Just remember, it is all in your head!”

 

What inspired the Author to write the book?

The idea was unique and unexpected. I was sleeping at a new place one night and at the age of 22, still afraid of monsters. I heard all of these weird and unfamiliar noises around the house. I was texting my boyfriend, Chris, saying, “I don’t like this! I’m hearing too many noises, I can’t fall asleep.” He then texted me back asking if I ever did fall back asleep. My response was, “eventually, when the monsters were quiet.” Right there I thought, “That would be an awesome title for a children’s book!” The next weekend at 3am I suddenly woke up, went to my phone, opened notepad, and wrote the last two lines and the first three of my book. The next day Chris and I were driving and he was singing Selena Gomez’s song, “Come Get It,” extremely loud and obnoxious. (I find it funny with him being 6’5 singing this song.) Somehow, I finished my book right next to him in the car.

 

About the Author:  Alicia Lloyd is a senior at West Chester University of Pennsylvania and is working towards her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Grades Preparation (PK-4) and Special Education. She has a strong passion for working with children and loves to write! Alicia lives in Oxford, Pennsylvania surrounded by her wonderful friends and family. 

 Learn more about Alicia Lloyd, her book and World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/mxhj8vj


To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit
http://worldofinknetwork.com. Virginia S. Grenier is founder and partner of World of Ink network.
Office: 435-625-1743
Follow us on Twitter
Like us on Facebook
 

 
 

----- The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Children's Picture Book Cute and Educational

Title of Book: Gluten-Free Me, Beckmin Goes to School   
Author: Christy E. Bykowski                    
Author Website: www.glutenfreekids.info
Twitter URL: @christybyk
Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.
ISBN Number: 13: 978-1-61244-228-0
Publication Date: January 2014
Genre of Book: Children’s Picture Book

Review provided by: World of Ink Network

 

About the Book: “Beckmin goes to School” is meant to raise awareness for celiac disease and the everyday challenges children with celiac disease face in their otherwise normal activities.  As diagnosis of celiac disease increases, education, awareness, and understanding will be the keys to making celiac kids feel normal and included. Written for children to help them express and understand celiac disease, the book is a wonderful tool for children and adults alike.

 

EXCERPT:

Five-year-old Beckmin headed off to kindergarten for the first time.

Beckmin climbed on the bus and waved goodbye to his mom.

Beckmin’s new teacher Mrs. Frederick said, “Let’s start our day with breakfast.”

The kids lined up to get their cereal.

Beckmin looked around.

“Here, you can share this cereal with me,” said his new friend Ellie.

“No, I can’t eat that,” said Beckmin. 

“Why not?” asked Ellie. “I like it a lot.”

“It has wheat in it. See…” he said, turning over the box.

He pointed to the ingredients and spelled, “W-H-E-A-T.”

“So?” said Ellie. 

“I can’t eat wheat,” said Beckmin. “I have celiac disease.”

“Silly what?” asked Ellie. 

“Celiac (SEE-lee-yak) disease,” said Beckmin. “It means I can’t eat wheat.”

“That’s silly,” said Ellie. 

“It’s not silly. It’s special,” said Beckmin.

 

 

About the Author: Christy E. Bykowski is an award-winning public relations and marketing practitioner, as well as a wife and mother. She lives and works in Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband, Benjamin, raising their three boys and spreading awareness about celiac disease and the need for a gluten-free environment for individuals diagnosed with celiac disease.

You can find out more about Christy E. Bykowski, her book and World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/lquajjn

 
Submitted by:
To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit http://worldofinknetwork.com
Virginia S Grenier 
Founder & Partner, World of Ink Network
Bringing Authors and Readers Together
Office: 435-625-1743
Follow us on Twitter
Like us on Facebook


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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Bible and Nature Reviewed

Title: Snapshots: Focus on Nature in the Bible

Author: Laurie Chance Smith

Genre: Nonfiction- Bible and Nature

Publisher: Review & Herald Publishing (September 1, 2012)


ISBN-10: 0828026890

ISBN-13: 978-0828026895

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, AdventistBookCenter.com, iTunes



Reviewed by Diane Geiser

It’s mind boggling to consider that certain trees that graced the earth when Jesus lived are still alive today. Identical flowers sprouted, familiar insects buzzed, and similar winds blew. “The Bible’s nature stories provide living links to the Biblical world,” writes author Laurie Chance Smith in her new book, “Snapshots: Focus on Nature in the Bible.” Through fascinating facts like “manna looked like the spice coriander,” “Snapshots” breathes life into the ancient world offering a deeper understanding of Scripture.

An accomplished writer, photographer, and avid gardener, Chance Smith explores the Biblical natural world in six sections covering everything from seeds, herbs, flowers, bread, honey, beasts and insects to water, air, fire, celestial bodies and the seasons. When she looked for a book that explored the connections between nature and Scripture, she couldn’t find one and began to write. While “Snapshots” is brimming with Scripture, Chance Smith also skillfully weaves in quotes and stories that offer insights into our present-day world, our Creator, ourselves—and the connections among them.

Readers of all ages will enjoy this active devotional, written simply enough for children to understand, yet engaging enough for adults to enjoy. Homeschoolers, children’s ministers, and teachers will find “Snapshots” an effective tool to augment their students’ knowledge of Scripture and its meaning in their lives. Each chapter concludes with a prayer, a scripture verse to contemplate, and a call to action.

Chance Smith says, “For people who don’t know God or want to feel closer to God, nature is the best place to find that connection. Trees show us God’s stability and strength. Animals show us God’s tenderness. In the sun, moon and stars, we see that God has no limits. In nature, all things have a purpose. There is order, but there is flexibility and change. There are phases. In nature, we can see ourselves—where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going. Nature inspires us to discover God’s purpose for our lives.” With its conversational style and accessible content, "Snapshots" is the perfect guidebook for the journey.
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Donald Altman Reviews Contemporary Romance


  • Soulmate: by D. Lowell
  • Genre: Novel, contemporary romance
  • Paperback: 234 pages
  • Publisher: Eminent Films; first edition (July 24, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0989392805
  • ISBN-13: 978-0989392808
  • Availability: Amazon.com; BN.com
  • Reviewed by: Donald Altman



Reviewed by Donald Altman
 
Soulmate is a page turner, a brilliant, witty, sardonic novel that worked on so many intriguing levels. First, it entices you with a whole new look at Hollywood and its inner workings... one that will have you looking at films like you never did before. Then, of course, there's the love story--as untraditional and unexpected as you will find.. but truly believable and fascinating as it takes you into the underbelly (sorry for the pun) of LA's lap-dancing strip clubs. This is the compelling story of two souls whose love is forged in this strange, dimly lit world. It follows their inner struggles and fears as they attempt to bring their love into the light and lives of their daytime existence. The characters are extremely well conceived, and you cannot help but get drawn into the emotional roller coaster of their journey.

Soulmate is also, for me, a double entendre for how Hollywood itself becomes an irresistible soulmate and mistress of the actors, writers, distributors, filmmakers, and others who get obsessed with it. The portrayal of LA and the culture of narcissism is especially sharp and laugh out loud funny. The shower scene with the "nuclear hair bomb" (I don't want to spoil it so no more need be said) was hilarious. What really surprised me was how the book resonated with me after reading it. It had an uncanny way of bringing in surprising--and sometimes mind-blowing--historical background about our culture. It may also get you thinking in new ways about relationships, beauty, aging, and love. Thanks D.L. Lowell for your fresh voice and a wonderfully written and well-crafted novel. I'm looking forward to your next work.

More about the reviewer:

Donald Altman, M.A., LPC is former Vice-President, The Center for Mindful Eating - TCME.Org. See him on AM Northwest's morning show at http://www.TheJoyCompass.com

 
 
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Academic Book on Finance and Economics


General Equilibrium: Theory and Evidencehttp://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/6875
By W D A Bryant (Macquarie University, Australia)
ISBN: 978-981-281-834-8 (hardcover)Category: Economics & FinanceCopyright 2010
481 pages 
£ 94.00; $ 125.00Zentralblatt MATH Database 1931 – 2013©2013 European Mathematical Society, FIZ Karlsruhe & Springer-Verlag


Reviewed by Krzysztof Cichy (PoznaÅ„) originally for  ZentralblattMATH:
General equilibrium theory (GET) is one of the most classic branches of mathematical economics, dating back to the work of Leon Walras in the 19th century. After so many years it is still an area of broad research and many questions have remained unanswered. Its main aim is to thoroughly analyze the properties of market economies. It focuses on four main areas, dealing with the conditions that ensure the existence of equilibrium,the optimality of the equilibrium state, the stability of equilibrium and the relation between model equilibria and real economic data.
 
The book by W. D. A. Bryant deals with theoretical and empirical aspects of general equilibrium. The principal aim of the author is “to achieve an understanding of what general equilibrium theory has to say about the circumstances in which deregulated market economies function well, along with circumstances where this is not the case”. The book begins with an overview of GET (Chapter 1). The basic Walrasian conjecture that the deregulated market mechanism leads to optimal outcomes is stated and it leads to the basic questions of GET about the existence, uniqueness, stability, optimality of equilibrium states, the role of parameter values for the properties of these states and the empirical congruence of GET models. Next, some applications of GET are discussed, i.e., branches of economics that rely on general equilibrium assumptions, such as international trade, new-classical economics and economies in transition.
 
Chapter 2 deals with the fundamental issue of sufficient conditions for the existence of equilibrium. Basic notions are carefully defined, such as commodity, consumption sets and preference orderings. They serve to define Walrasian equilibrium and freedisposal equilibrium. A non-mathematical discussion about the possibility of having such equilibria is provided. Next, sufficient conditions for the existence of equilibrium are thoroughly analyzed (the theorems by Arrow and Debreu (1954), Debreu (1962), Arrow and Hahn (1971), Moore (1975), McKenzie (1981) and others).
 
In Chapter 3, the author moves on to necessary conditions for the existence of equilibria, showing that the common belief that Walrasian equilibria exist under weak and general conditions might not be justified. He argues that the “conditions necessary for existence require potentially restrictive relationship conditions to hold across the primitives which define the economy”.
 
Chapter 4 deals with the issue of irreducibility, i.e., the assumption that each agent in the economy is the owner of something which other people are interested in purchasing. In particular, the notion of McKenzie-irreducibility is analyzed from the point of view of its empirical justification. This notion is very important in establishing the existence of a Walrasian equilibrium. Different views emerging from empirical data are thoroughly reviewed and commented on.
 
In Chapter 5 some alternative approaches to establishing the existence of a Walrasian equilibrium are analyzed, with a focus on the ones that avoid strong relationship conditions, such as assumptions of irreducibility. It is explored how such important properties as the individual agents’ survival can appear without such assumptions. In particular, policy induced existence results, as well as ones related to voluntary transfers and altruism are discussed.
 
Chapter 6 deals with the existence of a Walrasian equilibrium in non-Arrow-Debreu environments. This includes the existence of equilibrium in a temporary equilibrium setup of Hicks, in the presence of money and in a Keynesian setup.
 
In Chapter 7 the uniqueness of equilibrium is discussed. This is one of the most fundamental and interesting questions in GET and a subject of intense debate. The conditions that need to be fulfilled in order that uniqueness is guaranteed are carefully elucidated. The author shows that they are rather restrictive. Next, the much less-restrictive case of finitely many isolated equilibria is analyzed.
 
Chapter 8 addresses the question of the stability of equilibrium. The discovery of a universal and globally stable adjustment process is believed by many to be the Holy Grail of GET. A variety of adjustment processes are analyzed, such as classical tâtonnement, global Newton process, discrete time adjustment processes and random adjustment processes. The author argues that all of them yield interesting, but not fully-satisfactory results, therefore implying the need for further research.
 
In Chapter 9, the author moves to the issue of optimality of equilibrium. The fundamental theorems of welfare economics are discussed. It is shown that there exist conditions under which equilibria are optimal, but no universal connection between equilibria and optima can be established, thus leading to the necessity of considering this connection in particular economic environments.
 
Chapter 10 deals with comparative statics of equilibrium states, i.e., the role of parameter values for the properties of equilibria and the response to shocks. This is especially important from the point of view of policy implications of GET models. A special attention is paid to welfare comparative statics.
 
In Chapter 11, the link between the theory and empirics is analyzed. In other words, it is investigated whether GET captures the essential features of real world economies and under which circumstances. Various tests of GET are discussed, in particular ones using microeconomic data (consumer and producer side, market clearing). It is shown that GET can indeed produce meaningful and testable results, but it can not provide fully satisfactory results in all cases - it can not be regarded as the universal theory valid anytime and anywhere. Still, it is argued that there is compelling empirical evidence that under certain conditions and in some economies it yields interesting results and provides a good description of the analyzed real world economies.
Chapter 12 offers a general outlook on the successes and failures of GET. The most important results of the book are discussed and summarized.
 
One of the most important virtues of this book is the abundance of references (over 40 pages) and the thorough discussions of historical achievements of GET, making it a good starting point for an exploration of many subtle details that had to be omitted from the book if it was to remain reasonable in length. Therefore, it will be invaluable to any researcher interested in GET.
 
Krzysztof Cichy (Poznań)
Keywords : general equilibrium theory; existence of equilibrium; uniqueness of equilibrium; stability of equilibrium; optimality of equilibrium; empirical tests of general
equilibrium theory
 
Classification :
*91-02 Research exposition (Social and behavioral sciences)
 91B50 Equilibrium in economics
 91B02 Fundamental topics on applicability to economics
 91B26 Market models
 
 


 
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Monday, January 13, 2014

D. G. Sutter: "Undisputed Champion"

Title: The Laughter of Strangers
Author: Michael J. Seidlinger
Author's webpage:http://michaeljseidlinger.com/
Publisher: Lazy Fascist Press (http://lazyfascistpress.com/)
Genre: Literature
ISBN: 978-1621050971
Available on Amazon

 

 
Reviewed by  D.G. Sutter

 

What is the purpose of identity? It is to dignify the existence of human separation. We are all equally varied in characteristics and personalities. Like two snowflakes, none of us are the same, and unlike Tyler Durden’s philosophy we are all special. In The Laughter of Strangers, Michael Seidlinger challenges the concept of self by giving several faces and facets to the boxer who is, was, and always will be Willem Floures.

 

While identity is a feature set aside for others to differentiate, ego and self-esteem are internal machines to determine identity; the protagonist’s main struggle in the book is discovering the “true” Willem Floures through rigorous tests of both. Is it Sugar, Black Mamba, or Executioner? Seidlinger takes readers on an existentially vagrant journey through the stages of Floures’s life, using boxing matches as vibrant reveries of combat against actions and behaviors of past and present.

 

His prose is clean and concise and he wastes no breath in getting the story across, in passages such as “Looking back all I hear is laughter. All I see is white. All I taste is the ache of my bleeding mouth, tongue numb, my eyes wanting so very much to roll back, have a look at the inside of my broken skull.”

 

There are no extraneous details or descriptions to bore you out of your mind—no—merely conflict in the mind of a character on the path towards self-discovery, categorization, and personal revelation. If you’re looking for a read with a broad degree of settings and action, you will miss out a bit, but Seidlinger makes up for it with honest characters, ones that blend together likes the rounds do for a fighter.

 

As for my recommendation, I would say disappear into the crowd and try, for yourself, not to laugh as the world of Willem Floures crumbles, and thrives, on the southpawed boxer’s back. Be a spectator in his final fight for glory and gratification. Stand in his corner while he battles for inner supremacy and against the throes served by years of publicity. We are all looking for our place in the world, to be understood and find meaning. In the words of Willem Floures:

 

“You had to hurt yourself in order to be heard. You have to continue working, being productive, doing whatever it is that you do to maintain their attention. If no one pays attention to you, you aren’t really alive.”

 

The match starts now.
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Clare O'Beara Reviews Joy Smith's "Detour Trail"


Detour Trail
Joy V. Smith
ISBN: 978-1-61235-570-2
Format:Paperback
Amazon
Melange Books
4 out of 5 stars
 
 
Reviewed by Clare O'Beara
 
 
The Oregon Trail is notoriously long and hazardous, but Lorena Emerson and her uncle set off to seek a better future. Her uncle is killed by a thief so Lorrie is told she can't continue driving her oxen alone and must leave the wagon train at the next town. But the determined girl gathers some other discards such as the Browns and their broken wagon, and makes ready to travel with the next small train. Lorrie, who started driving light, collects abandoned furniture, mattresses and cast-iron stoves on the trail. When the steep mountain climbs become too much for a heavily pregnant woman and their livestock, Lorrie investigates a DETOUR TRAIL to a river and suggests settling near a mountain man and his Arapaho family.

Next we see the plentiful hard work and planning involved in building a settlement, from splitting logs and hauling rocks to planting gardens, and Lorrie makes a few back journeys to buy goods including flour, chickens and a wise mule called Jake. The girl is good at planning but less so at backwoods skills. She can hold her own against trail thieves though, who foolishly imagine a girl and loaded wagon will be easy prey. The settlers only have a short summer to prepare for winter, and their lives will depend on their buildings and supplies.

This is a spirited tale of a brave young woman, without any great drama of Indian wars. I enjoyed seeing the little settlement prosper and grow, and Lorrie had further adventures every time she ventured to the town or fort for supplies. Joy Smith has written a decent young adult read for a slice of American history, which reminded me of  Children on the Oregon Trail.



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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.